Come Again

Thrift stores are one of my favourite places. I almost always find something unusual when I visit one. An afternoon browse through one in Sidney, BC last summer turned up an interesting brooch. It said “steampunk” as soon as I saw it.

It was languishing underneath some other prettier pieces, forgotten by most. Lucky me! I brought it home and left it on my workbench.

Time passed. A month or so later I took it apart — it had several pieces attached to it giving it a bulky look. I took them all off and began playing with possibilities. Nothing worked. So I set it aside again.

A couple of weeks ago I dug it out and draped some chain around it. Aha! I found my design.

Renewal

I reattached one of the original pieces — the metal heart — to balance the look. And instead of having the clasp at the back I used two lobster clasps at the front. I like it.

Colours to Dance To

Winter still hanging on? Icicles on the eaves? Snow in the driveway? Mitts and toques still your clothes of choice for a trip to the store?

Luckily I find myself in warmer climes right now — but we’ll soon be back in The Great White North. So maybe that’s why I picked the brightest colours I could find for this necklace. Can’t help but smile each time I pick it up to work on it.

The pattern is my variation of one of Varvara’s from her book Coraling Technique. 

Both the colours and the pattern remind me of the bright flowing skirts of the Mexican folkloric ballet dancers.

I’m enjoying working with this palette so much I may just have to do some earrings. And perhaps a bracelet. And if there are enough beads, maybe an anklet …

Bead Drops

Simple says it all with this necklace and earring set. The figaro chain and brightly coloured beads make a pleasing combination that could go casual or dressy.

The glass beads are hung on silver-plated chain and ear wires. The necklace is adjustable with a handmade S-clasp.

The colors make me think of sunshine and berries with a hint of creme de menthe thrown in for good measure.

More Earrings

One of the first beading projects I tackled was a pair of earrings. The woman who taught me called it Cherokee Weave. It took practice and perseverance but I finally mastered the stitch.

It’s been a favourite ever since — I love to wear dangly things. And so do many of the women who buy my work.

Here’s a variation on the original theme.

The earrings were made on tear drop forms with size 11 Japanese seed beads. The thread is a multi-coloured quilting thread, which produces a nice colour gradation.

Diamond Fire

There is something so rich-looking about fire opal Swarovskis — which is probably why I use them in several of my pieces.

This bracelet is done in diamond stitch. I’ve seen the design using faceted glass beads but none with bicones — of the two I prefer the bicone style.

I also used my favourite magnetic clasp. Sad story about these. I went back to my supplier and they no longer carry them. If you know where I could source more, I’d be grateful.

Something Simple

Sometimes less really is more. This necklace and earring set has few components but it has an elegant look.

The necklace has a spring clasp. Small jump rings join the two strands at the front.

Light coming through the amber-coloured beads creates a warm glow.

Yup, I like ‘em.